EXCLUSIVE: Here are your first look images of Oscar winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator) and Daniel MacPherson (Foundation) in martial-arts movie Beast In Me, which is in production in Australia and Bangkok, from a script co-written by Crowe.
They are joined in the cast by Luke Hemsworth (Westworld), Mojean Aria (The Correspondent) Kelly Gale (Plane), George Burgess (Land of Bad), Bren Foster (The Last Ship), Saphira Moran (It Will Find You) and Australian musician Amy Shark, who makes her feature film debut.
The Solution Entertainment Group is selling the project at the EFM in Berlin.
Pic follows Patton James (MacPherson), who abandons his mixed martial arts dream to support his wife, Luciana (Gale), and son. When his brother, Malon (Aria), suffers a serious injury and faces financial strain to underworld figures, Patton sets out to avenge him in a ONE Championship fight with the help of veteran trainer Sammy (Crowe). Below are additional production stills.
Co-written by Crowe and David Frigerio (Land of Bad), the MMA action film is directed by Tyler Atkins (Bosch & Rockit) and is being made in collaboration with Asian martial-arts franchise ONE Championship.
The film is produced by John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz from Deeper Water Films, David Frigerio from Broken Open Pictures, and Tim O’Hair from Armagh Films. Executive producers are Shane Abbess, Brett Thornquest, Jamie Arscott, Lisa Wilson, and Myles Nestel.
Frigerio said: “It’s a true martial arts film with a hero’s journey at the heart. Nuanced characters deliver drama whilst epic fights bring dynamic action, which is sure to thrill and entertain audiences around the world.”
John Schwarz added: “The world we’ve created is a true reflection of the sport to ensure the film resonates with fans. Our climactic scene was recently filmed in Thailand at a real ONE Championship fight environment with over 10,000 people. Our actors have trained tirelessly to ensure knockout performances that embody the explosive raw energy and emotion of MMA fights. We can’t wait for people to feel and see it on the big screen.”
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong commented: “I am thrilled to be partnering with the star-studded cast and production team behind Beast in Me. I am confident that ONE, the world’s martial arts organization, is the best platform to help tell their story of grit, perseverance, and determination.”
Crowe is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Goodman, Genow. MacPherson is represented by Buchwald, Entertainment 360 and Aran Michael Management. Hemsworth is represented by CAA, Fourward, and Greenberg Glusker. Shark is repped by Ragemore. Aria is represented by Independent Management Company and Untitled Entertainment. Gale is represented by Buchwald, Magnolia Entertainment, and CMC Talent. Burgess rep is Benchmark Creative Management. Foster rep is Morrissey Management. Moran rep is Victoria Jackson Management.
